re: Going to Austin soon. Food recs?

I used to live and work in that area. Parts of it are walkable, depending on exactly where you're staying.

Valentina's Tex-Mex BBQ on Manchaca. Easy drive from S. Lamar and the brisket tacos are AMAZING. Get the Vaquero if they have it on special.

If you're into craft beer, Pinthouse Pizza is at S. Lamar and 360, and has the Electric Jellyfish IPA, which is the best-seller in the Austin area. Right off of Lamar on Oltorf is the ABGB, which is craft beer and pizza. They specialize in pilsners and the food is amazing. They won Best Brewpub in America in 2016. Look for a fiery redhead named Roxanne, she's the BEST.

Matt's El Rancho is an institution, and while it may not be the greatest overall Tex-Mex you've ever had, it's worth a visit for the Bob Armstrong dip.

The Eberly is BEAUTIFUL, and while I've only eaten off the bar menu, everything was executed really well. It's a nicer, more expensive spot, and there's a secret, speakeasy-type bar in the back.

The Golden Goose took over what was once arguably the best dive bar in the city (the Horseshoe Lounge), and while it's not as awesome as it used to be, it's still got a fun vibe.

The Black Sheep Lodge is a sports bar with a covered patio and shuffleboard. They also have one of my favorite burgers and I love their wings.

I've been gone for about 8 months and Austin changes so fast that it's entirely possible that there is more or less to do on that particular corridor, but that area has blown up in the last few years so even if you don't drive anywhere there is no shortage of places to go.